How to Network a Printer? Include a printer in your home network. This article describes how to connect a printer to your home network through ethernet or wifi on Windows and Mac systems.
What is Network Printer?
A network printer is one that can be accessed via a network connection and used by other computers on the network. The printer may have its own network connection or link to a single, dedicated PC via a local network.
How to Add a Network Printer Using Microsoft Windows?
File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is a feature included in all contemporary versions of Windows. A printer connected to one PC can be shared with other PCs on a local network using this function.
This method necessitates that the printer be actively connected to the PC and that the computer be turned on so that other devices can communicate with the printer via it.
Using this way, you can network a printer:
- Turn on computer sharing. Navigate to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Network and Sharing Centre > Advanced Sharing Configurations. Then click Turn on file and printer sharing, and finally click Save Changes.
- Close the window and go to the Start menu and select Devices and Printers or Printers and Scanners.
- Right-click the destination computer, choose Printer Properties, then choose the Sharing tab and check the Share this printer box.
- Devices and Printers can be used to install printers on a PC. Some printers provide software applications to help with installation (either on a CD-ROM or available from the web), but these are usually optional.
Non-Windows Network Printers
Other operating systems use slightly different technologies to handle network printing than Windows:
- Current versions of macOS can recognise and add some types of printers automatically, with manual configuration choices under the Print & Fax section of System Preferences. For configuring printers linked to Mac computers, older versions of Mac OS X included a tool named Print Centre.
- Apple AirPrint allows Wi-Fi wireless printing on Apple iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. AirPrint support necessitates the use of a specifically manufactured printer from the same company.
- Different Unix and Linux distributions provide generic network printing functionality. The user interface details vary, but most are based on CUPS, a typical Unix printing system.
Bluetooth Printers
Some home printers provide Bluetooth network connectivity, which is normally activated through an additional adaptor rather than being built-in. Bluetooth printers are intended for general-purpose printing from telephones.
Because Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology, phones that utilise it must be positioned close to the printer in order for the operation to work.
Printers with Networking Capability
Home and small business network printers resemble other models. These network printers, however, include an Ethernet connector, and many newer models have built-in Wi-Fi wireless functionality.
Network printers often allow setup data to be entered via a small keypad and screen on the printer’s front. The screen also provides error messages that can be used to troubleshoot issues.
- To join the local network, update the printer settings (such as WPA wireless encryption keys or DHCP addresses) as needed.
- Connect an Ethernet wire to an Ethernet-capable printer to a network router.
- Associate a Wi-Fi-compatible printer with a wireless router or another wireless access point.
Wireless Print Servers
- Many older printers link to other devices through USB but do not support Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A wireless print server is a one-of-a-kind device that connects these printers to a wireless home network.
- Plug the printer into the server’s USB port and link the print server to a wireless router or access point to use wireless print servers.
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